The USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) intends to negotiate solely with ALKAR-Rapid, Inc., Lodi, Wisconsin to purchase a Flexible Flash Pasteurization Prototype, including the following components: a) Product Inverter and Chamber, including one base plate; (one product size); b) Control system including computer and programming;; c) Closing mechanism; d) Valves, piping and miscellaneous support hardware 2) Additional Product Specific Tooling for Wyndmoor, PA 19038. The Eastern Regional Research Center through a cooperative research and development (CRADA), is developing a packaging system for hot dogs that incorporates the vacuum/steam/vacuum (VSV) process for pasteurizing hot dogs. The VSV Process was developed at ERRC for thermally sensitive foods. Alkar/RapidPak has designed and fabricated a flexible prototype commercial packaging unit that incorporates the VSV surface pasteurizer as a step in the Alkar/RapidPak packaging unit. The hot dogs will be pasteurized during packaging. According to the CRADA, Alkar/Rapid is to design and fabricate the unit and we are to develop the fundamental process parameters and optimize the process. This is what Alkar/RapidPak calls the Flexible Flash Pasteurization Prototype equipment. Alkar/RapidPak has applied for an exclusive license. Companies with the demonstrated capabilities of providing this instrument must submit a descriptive statement, including descriptive literature, specifically addressing the equipment?s component?s and availability. The statement and literature must be submitted to the Contracting Office Address with 15 days of publication of this notice. This is not a request for proposal. NO SOLICITATION IS AVAILABLE.

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